Special Grant Helps Buckeye Schools Make Music

VH1 Save The Music Foundation awards grant of new band instruments
for Marionneaux Elementary School.

BUCKEYE, ARIZONA – (July 5, 2017) – The VH1 Save The Music Foundation believes children involved in active music participation show improved performance in reading and math, score higher on standardized tests, are more likely to go on to college, and are less likely to be involved with gangs, drugs or alcohol abuse. The 501-c3 organization recently awarded a grant of new musical instruments to Marionneaux Elementary School in Buckeye. Marionneaux is a new K-8 school opening Aug. 2. This is the second grant the Buckeye Elementary School District has received from the Foundation, providing instruments for district schools.

“Music and the arts are an important component for the well-rounded education our schools provide,” said BESD Superintendent Dr. Kristi Sandvik. “We’re proud of our music program in our schools, we know that the community is, as well.”

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation, located in New York, develops strategic partnerships with school districts to build sustainable instrumental music programs by providing grants of brand­new musical instruments to public elementary and middle schools.

“Without these grants we would probably not have a music program,” said District Band Director Amber Shupe. “Music makes a difference in many of our student’s lives. When a student is in band they are part of a family. When they get to high school they have other band students they can depend on for support.

“Our program is growing, and because of what we are able to do at the district level (PreK-8) our high schools’ band programs are growing, as well.”

Most Buckeye District Band students begin their musical journey with little or no musical training. Students begin learning how to play their instruments from the very beginning, by learning the basics from how to properly put the instrument together to getting more in depth with reading music and performing on their instruments. The District Band is a band made up of students from all seven of the schools in the Buckeye Elementary School District.

Throughout the school year, students perform in concerts and are introduced to marching by performing in the City of Buckeye’s The Pioneer Days Parade.

“It’s exciting to see a young student who had never picked up an instrument learn how to care for it, play it, read music, and then perform in concerts and march in a parade in less than a year,” said Shupe. “The engagement and enthusiasm these students demonstrate, not just in band, but school as well, is amazing.”

About BESD
Buckeye Elementary School District, Arizona District 33, is a PreK-8 school district in Buckeye, Ariz. educating more than 5,200 students and employing more than 600 staff. The district consists of seven K-8 schools, Bales Elementary School, Buckeye Elementary School, Inca Elementary School, Jasinski Elementary School, Marionneaux Elementary School (opening Aug. 2), Sundance Elementary School and WestPark Elementary School. In addition, the school district also includes the Buckeye Elementary Preschool and the Buckeye Family Resource Center. For more information about BESD go to www.besd33.org.

Sue Helm is a volunteer at Jasinski Elementary School. She is a retired employee of the Buckeye Elementary School District. She was nominated for her outstanding support and coordination of the Read on Buckeye Program at Jasinski Elementary School.

Nijya is true example of a student passionate about success. Her work ethic is exceptional; Nijya strives for success. She goes above and beyond in all areas of school. Currently, she serves as president for the National Junior Honor Society, plays sports and maintains a high GPA. Nijya is the first to volunteer assistance, and her attitude of cheerfulness certainly adds a bright spot to Buckeye Elementary School.

Meghan Pablo, an 8th grader at WestPark Elementary is considered a natural leader. She takes on any responsibility and is always the first person to volunteer with her peers are hesitant. Meghan has taken the Equity Student Leadership Club to new levels with her involvement. Meghan exemplifies the type of student that all students aspire to be.

Marianna, an 8th grader at Sundance Elementary School, is described as “a hard-working student who exemplifies the qualities of great character at Sundance.” She is pictured with her family and Dr. Sandvik.

Heather is in her 10th year as a teacher at Sundance Elementary School. As an Academic Coach, she works tirelessly helping her fellow teachers achieve success in their classrooms.

Erica is described as being “truly passionate about student success.”

Dylan volunteers countless hours assisting a variety of clubs, PTSA and school related events. He is described by the assistant principal at Inca Elementary School as going “above and beyond trying to help make Inca a great place to learn and grow.”

Diamond is recognized with the community member P.A.S.S. Award for Inca Elementary School. She is the secretary for the PTSA and is active with the school carnival, fundraising nights, curriculum nights, book fairs and many other school events.

Dan Bunnell, WestPark Elementary School volunteer, joined by his children and Dr. Sandvik.

Cristal Weaver, left, is joined by Dr. Sandvik and Bales Elementary School principal Fred Lugo, and her husband Darrin who is on the phone. Darrin is also being recognized with a P.A.S.S Award. He was out of town on business, so he was surprised with a phone call from Dr. Sandvik.

Cody, an 8th grade student at Jasinski Elementary School, shares his recognition with his sister.

Byron Clark, volunteer at Buckeye Preschool, is described as “always so kind and willing to help with anything we ask him to do.”